What You Need to Know About Draining Your Pool in Arizona

I love swimming, and nothing beats stepping into your backyard in Arizona and diving into a cool, sparkling pool. When it gets hotter than 100°, it’s the best way to cool off.

Swimming is fun, but taking care of my pool can be tough. If you’ve had a pool for a while, you know you’ll need to drain it at some point. You can’t just let water run into your yard because there are rules in place to protect our desert environment.

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What are the Rules in Arizona for Draining a Pool?

The rules for draining your pool can vary widely depending on where you live in Arizona. The water doesn’t just go away—it often ends up in storm drains, which can lead straight to washes and rivers without any treatment.

The chemicals you use to keep your pool clean can hurt the environment. Things like chlorine, salt, and other additives can damage plants, wildlife, and waterways.

READ: How Arizona's Water Scarcity Shapes Growth

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Most cities, including Phoenix, Mesa, and Chandler, have rules requiring homeowners to drain pool water either into the sanitary sewer cleanout or onto their own property. Here are some specifics:

• Phoenix: You’re not allowed to drain to the street; use the sewer clean-out.
• Mesa: Don’t drain into the streets or storm drains; it may violate city code.
• Chandler: You either have to keep the water on your property or drain it into the sewer system.

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City of Sierra Vista Rules for Draining Your Pool

If you live in Sierra Vista, the city has clear, step-by-step guidance. It’s fairly straightforward, so here’s what you do.

First, let your pool sit at least 48 hours without adding chemicals so chlorine levels drop to zero.

Next, if you plan to drain off your property, you’ll need a permit from the city before sending water into the street.

READ: Is It Legal to Collect Rainwater in Arizona?

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And when you do drain your pool:

• Only drain your pool into a paved public street.
• Never drain the water into dirt roads, alleys, or washes.
• Pump the water out slowly so you don’t cause flooding or erosion.

You can drain the water onto your own property, as long as you don’t flood your neighbors or let water run into public areas.

READ MORE: Top 15 (Simple) Water-Saving Tips for Arizona Homeowners

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Friendly Local Advice

Draining your pool isn’t difficult, but you do need to follow the rules, and they can be a bit different depending on where you live.

Basically, take your time, follow your city’s rules, and help protect our desert water systems. Then you can enjoy your pool without any guilt.